Shows
Homeowners Be AwareBreathe Better with Key HVAC Insights from Jessica WicksSend us a textApril 30, 2024133. Breathe Better with Key HVAC Insights from Jessica WicksDiscover essential home maintenance tips that could save you from costly repairs and ensure your living environment remains safe and efficient. In this informative episode of Homeowners Be Aware, host George Siegal is joined by Jessica Wicks, brand president of Ductz. From the often-overlooked air ducts to the critical dryer vents, Jessica details the potential dangers of neglect and provides vital tips for keeping these systems in check. She also explores the significance of selecting the right fi...2024-04-3024 min
Homeowners Be AwareUnlocking the Complexities of Property Insurance Claims with Ron SnoufferSend us a textApril 23, 2024132. Unlocking the Complexities of Property Insurance Claims with Ron Snouffer Unlock the secrets of battling insurance companies and securing rightful claims with Ron Snouffer, an expert public adjuster, in this eye-opening episode. Host George Siegal delves into the murky waters of homeowner insurance with Ron, who shares his journey from insurance carrier insider to a staunch advocate for property owners. This episode sheds light on the deceptive tactics used by insurance companies and underscores the pivotal role of public adjusters. Tune in to empower yo...2024-04-2340 min
Homeowners Be AwareDon't Build or Remodel with the Wrong Team with Blake SuttonSend us a textApril 2, 2024129. Don't Build or Remodel with the Wrong TeamListeners are in for a wealth of knowledge on assembling the perfect team for any home building or remodeling project. George Siegal welcomes Blake Sutton, president of Est Est Interior Design. With Blake's extensive background in construction, interior design, and home staging, he emphasizes the critical importance of a cohesive, well-communicated, and competent team to navigate the complexities of construction and remodeling, thereby reducing stress and horror stories commonly associated with such projects. This episode i...2024-04-0229 min
Homeowners Be AwareNavigating Foundation Repairs and Real Estate Challenges with Bob BrownSend us a textMarch 26, 2024128. Navigating Foundation Repairs and Real Estate Challenges with Bob BrownAs anyone who's owned a home knows, foundation issues are a nightmare, marked by cracked walls, uneven floors, and malfunctioning doors and windows. In this episode of "Homeowners Be Aware," George Siegal sits down with Bob Brown, a leading figure in foundation repair diagnosis and author of "Foundation Repair Secrets: Learn How to Protect Yourself and Save Thousands." Brown emphasizes the foundational role (pun intended) the foundation plays in a home's integrity, making it crucial f...2024-03-2646 min
Homeowners Be AwareTurning Life's Struggles into Stand-Up MaterialSend us a textMarch 12, 2024126. Turning Life's Struggles into Stand-Up MaterialEver think buying your dream home is all sunshine and rainbows? Think again!" In this eye-opening episode of "Homeowners Be Aware," host George Siegal gets real with Mike Knox, a stand-up comedian with a past life as a prison guard and a homeowner who's seen it all. From the highs of snagging a house during the 2008 crash to the lows of floods and faulty roofs, Mike spills the beans on what owning a house really...2024-03-1231 min
Homeowners Be AwareDisaster Prep Essentials for Every Homeowner with Roy WrightSend us a textFebruary 20, 2024123. Disaster Prep Essentials for Every Homeowner with Roy WrightIn today's eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the critical importance of preparing homes to withstand the wrath of severe weather and wildfires. George Siegal's guest is Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Roy talks about practical steps homeowners can take to fortify their homes against natural disasters. Discover the innovative testing methods used to simulate catastrophic conditions and understand why building to higher standards is not just an option, but a necessity...2024-02-2035 min
Homeowners Be AwareAfter You've Lost Everything the story of Trixie ParkesSend us a textDecember 26, 2023115. After You've Lost Everything the story of Trixie ParkesHear the heartbreaking story of Trixie Parkes, a Fort Myers Beach, Florida resident, who lost everything during Hurricane Ian. Trixie vividly recounts the devastation, revealing the emotional toll and challenges she faced after her home, possessions, and even insurance were swept away. As Trixie navigates the aftermath, she discusses the unpreparedness of communities for such disasters and shares her profound insights on the true cost of living in paradise. Join George Siegal and Trixie Parkes for a po...2023-12-2636 min
Homeowners Be AwareLack of House Knowledge Can Be CostlySend us a textDecember 5, 2023112. Lack of House Knowledge Can Be CostlyIn this week's episode host George Siegal shares his personal homeowner experiences. From unexpected generator maintenance costs to comical encounters with roofers diagnosing leaks from the ground, George spills the beans on the highs and lows of homeownership. Learn valuable lessons on asking the right questions, avoiding costly oversights, and navigating the tricky world of home repairs. Tune in for a rollercoaster ride through the wild world of homeownership!Important information from Homeowners Be A...2023-12-0509 min
Homeowners Be AwareStrategies for Improving Home Air Quality with Mike FeldsteinSend us a textOctober 31, 2023107. Strategies for Improving Home Air Quality with Mike FeldsteinDo you know if the air quality in your house is good, or could it be causing you health problems? In this episode, host George Siegal explores the often-overlooked issue of indoor air quality with guest Mike Feldstein, a specialist in fire, flood, mold restoration, and air quality consulting. Mike sheds light on the common misconception that many homeowners have about the air they breathe within their houses. The discussion highlights how humans quickly a...2023-10-3134 min
Homeowners Be AwareDisasters Are Getting Worse Are You Ready, with Rob MooreSend us a textAugust 1, 202394. Disasters Are Getting Worse Are You Ready, with Rob MooreIn this episode of the Tell US How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal is joined by Rob Moore from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to discuss the pressing issues of climate change, flooding, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters. They shed light on the importance of raising awareness, demanding better building standards, and implementing policies to protect homes and communities. Together, they explore the significance of disclosure requirements and flood insurance...2023-08-0138 min
Homeowners Be AwareTransform Your Home: Renovation Secrets Every Buyer Should Know with Monika Zasada!Send us a textJuly 25, 202393. Transform Your Home: Renovation Secrets Every Buyer Should Know! In this week's episode, we delve into the world of home renovation and building, exploring ways to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes. Monika Zasada, shares her expertise from two decades in the industry and her comprehensive training program for homeowners.Monika's master class focuses on unbiased education, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions during their projects. We discuss the importance of sourcing trustworthy contractors and understanding the four critical phases of any project. ...2023-07-2540 min
Homeowners Be AwareIt’s Not Supposed To Do That with Matthew BradingSend us a textJuly 18, 202392. It’s Not Supposed to Do That Every homebuyer needs a really good home inspector. In this week’s episode of the "Tell US How to Make it Better” podcast" host George Siegal interviews Matthew Brading, a home inspector from Houston, Texas. Matthew, known for his popular Instagram videos, brings a fresh perspective to the role of home inspectors and shares valuable insights on the importance of a thorough inspection before purchasing a house. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding inspectors, the need for transparency, and the impact of sloppy...2023-07-181h 02
Homeowners Be AwareWhat Does it Mean to be Prepared with Toolman TimSend us a textJuly 11, 202391. What Does it Mean to be Prepared, with Toolman Tim In this podcast episode, host George Siegal invites Tim Cook as a guest to discuss the topic of disaster preparedness. They emphasize the importance of being ready for unforeseen events and highlight the fact that many people are not adequately prepared. Tim shares his perspective on being a prepper, debunking the negative connotations associated with the term. He explains that being prepared involves planning for the most likely scenarios, such as...2023-07-1143 min
Homeowners Be AwareBad Choices Where to Live Cost Everyone with Mark MaurielloSend us a textJune 13, 202389. Bad Choices Where to Live Cost Everyone with Mark Mauriello In this episode of the Tell US How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal discusses the issue of people living in vulnerable areas and the challenges associated with rebuilding after disasters. He is joined by Mark Mauriello, a coastal geologist with expertise in natural hazard management and land use regulation.The discussion explores the question of whether people should be allowed to live anywhere they want and the costs and risks associated w...2023-06-1345 min
Homeowners Be AwareHow to Turn Your Garage into Something Great with Aaron CashSend us a textMay 30, 202387. How to Turn Your Garage into Something GreatIn this episode of the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal discusses the often-overlooked importance of the garage in home design with guest Aaron Cash. They highlight how garages often become cluttered storage areas, limiting their functionality. Aaron shares his expertise in transforming disorganized garages into efficient and attractive spaces.The conversation touches on the psychological impact of an organized garage, which can reduce stress and enhance daily experiences. They...2023-05-3019 min
Homeowners Be AwareReality Building and Remodeling Shows Aren’t Reality with Gabriella MilgromSend us a textMay 23, 202386. Reality Building and Remodeling Shows Aren’t Reality with Gabriella MilgromAre you overwhelmed by the endless design choices when it comes to creating or remodeling your dream home, especially with the false impressions that reality building shows create? In this episode, our guest Gabriella Milgrom, and host George Siegal discuss how these shows can misguide people, particularly women, and dive deep into the reality of home design projects. They share valuable resources, questions you should ask yourself, and the process of creating a home that me...2023-05-2340 min
Homeowners Be AwareRebuilding After the Malibu Fire with Sabrina DowningSend us a textIn this episode of the "Tell Us How to Make It Better" podcast, host George Siegal interviews Sabrina Downing, a survivor of the devastating fire in Malibu, California in 2018. Sabrina’s story was first featured in the documentary film "The Last House Standing". Sabrina shares the journey of rebuilding her house from scratch after it was completely burnt down.Sabrina describes the challenges she faced, including the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lengthy permit process, which took 18 months to complete. She explains the intricacies of dealing wit...2023-05-1624 min
Homeowners Be AwareThree Real Estate Landmines You Can AvoidSend us a textMay 9, 202384. Three Real Estate Landmines You Can AvoidIn this episode of the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal shares three personal stories about things that went wrong during his home-buying and renovation experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the neighborhood you're moving into and suggests doing your homework to find out about any pending projects that might impact the area. George also talks about the need to know the company you're buying from and its management structure, as this can help...2023-05-0911 min
Homeowners Be AwareSurviving Hurricane Ian A Story of Resilience and Recovery with Robert St CyrSend us a textApril 25, 202382. Surviving Hurricane Ian A Story of Resilience and Recovery with Robert St CyrIn this podcast episode, George Siegal talks to Robert St Cyr about his experience of surviving Hurricane Ian. Bob's home, along with 19 other houses in his community, was severely damaged. Water seeped into the walls, ruining everything it touched. Bob shares how he dealt with the situation and the importance of swiftly mitigating water damage. The conversation covers several topics, including the mindset and preparation for the hurricane, insurance policies, and limitations, and the challenges...2023-04-2532 min
Homeowners Be AwareRebuilding Lives Hurricane Michael Recovery UpdatesSend us a textApril 11, 202380. Rebuilding Lives Hurricane Michael Recovery UpdatesIn Episode 80 of the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast, host George Siegal sits down with Category 5 Hurricane Michael survivor Kimberly Smith. Kimberly shares her harrowing experience when the catastrophic storm struck her home and community in Panama City Florida, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and significant structural damage to buildings. In this candid conversation, Kimberly and George dive into the challenges individuals face rebuilding their lives after such a disaster. They also discuss the importance of community...2023-04-1128 min
Homeowners Be AwareBuilding Your Dream House, Things you need to know with Dennis from Builder BrigadeSend us a textApril 4, 202379. Building Your Dreamhouse, Things you need to know with Dennis from Builder BrigadeIn this engaging episode of "Tell Us How to Make It Better," host George Siegal speaks with Dennis, the man behind the wildly popular Builder Brigade videos. They share expert insights and first-hand stories to guide you through the process of building or buying a new home. Dive into the importance of early decision-making, how communication between homeowners and builders can make or break the project and learn the concept of using a checklist to...2023-04-0434 min
Homeowners Be AwareBeing Prepared Doesn't Have to Cost Any Money with Jeff DonaldsonSend us a textMarch 28, 202378. Being Prepared Doesn't Have to Cost Any Money with Jeff DonaldsonIn this compelling new episode of the Tell Us How to Make It Better Podcast, host George Siegal sits down with Jeff Donaldson, a principal researcher at Preparedness Labs and author of the upcoming ebook "Preparedness Simplified." Together, they explore the critical issue of emergency preparedness and the need for both individual and collective responsibility in the face of ever-increasing natural disasters. Engaging in a thought-provoking discussion to challenge ou...2023-03-2842 min
Homeowners Be AwareAre You Prepared? Disaster Management Strategies for Homeowners with John ScardenaSend us a textMarch 21, 202377. Are You Prepared? Disaster Management Strategies for Homeowners with John ScardenaAre you prepared for a disaster? Each year, communities around the country face major catastrophes, and the road to recovery is often long and difficult. In this episode, disaster management expert John Scardena shares crucial insights and tips on how you can better prepare for disasters. From choosing where to live to shoring up your home, taking preventive measures can help reduce the impact of a disaster. Building to code and understanding your i...2023-03-2139 min
Homeowners Be AwareHow to Bring New Life to an Old House with Katherine MacPhailSend us a textMarch 14, 202376. How to Bring New Life to an Old House with Katherine MacPhailIn this episode of Tell Us How to Make It Better, host George Siegal sits down with Katherine MacPhail, an old house architect from Eastern Massachusetts. Katherine is a specialist in finding environmentally friendly solutions to old-house problems, which is important given that the construction industry produces a lot of greenhouse gases. She emphasizes the importance of considering the carbon footprint of the materials used to build or repair old homes. Katharine s...2023-03-1436 min
Homeowners Be AwareThe Long Road to Recovery After a Fire with Jefferson WagnerSend us a textMarch 7, 202375. The Long Road to Recovery After a Fire with Jefferson WagnerIn this episode, George Siegal invites Jefferson Wagner (aka Zuma Jay) to share his experience of rebuilding his home after losing it in the Woolsey wildfire in 2018. Wagner was denied insurance by his insurance carrier, Allstate, and he had to fight hard to get his insurance money without having a mortgage company to support him. Wagner stresses the importance of knowing your policy and having documentation after a disaster happens. Furthermore, they discuss Malibu’s precautions against future dis...2023-03-0730 min
Homeowners Be AwareComing up: The Long Road to Recovery After a FireSend us a textFormer Malibu Mayor Jefferson Wagner shares his road to recovery after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, as his insurance company didn’t pay his claim, and he works to rebuild his home lost in the disaster. You will learn what you need to do to prepare your family for a disaster, coming up in our next episode. You can subscribe to listen on all podcast platforms.Important information from Homeowners Be Aware: Here are ways you can follow me on-line:Ins...2023-03-0500 min
Homeowners Be AwareBlowing Leaves and Not Bagging Causes Problems with Tampa City Councilman Bill CarlsonSend us a textFebruary 28, 202374. Blowing Leaves and Not Bagging Causes Problems with Tampa City Councilman Bill CarlsonGrass clippings and yard waste blown into the street are causing damage to Tampa Bay, and it’s likely causing problems where you live. This episode of George Siegal's podcast features Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson, and Chris Pratt, from the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, as they discuss illegal dumping, environmental protection, grass clippings on yards, fines for offenders, and more.During their discussion, they provide insightful suggestions such as...2023-02-2821 min
Homeowners Be AwareCould You Save Your Family from a House Fire with Aaron Mezei?Send us a textFebruary 21, 202373. Could You Save Your Family from a House Fire with Aaron Mezei?If a fire starts in your house, do you have a plan to get your family out? Aaron Mezei has a product that will be there when you need it most, without changing the look of your house.Here are some important moments with Aaron from the podcast: At 3:23 Aaron talks about the peace of mind his product gives a homeowner compared to the type that you ha...2023-02-2123 min
Homeowners Be AwareHow You Get to Work Needs to Change with Rudy SaloSend us a textFebruary 14, 202372. How You Get to Work Needs to Change with Rudy Salo If you commute to work, you know how miserable and time-consuming it is to sit in traffic. Rudy Salo wants to change that, doing critical rethinking of our infrastructure to accommodate the advanced technology currently available to make our commutes more tolerable, safer, and productive. Here are some important moments with Rudy from the podcast: At 4:43 Rudy answers the question how do you succe...2023-02-1436 min
Homeowners Be AwareShe's Working Hard to Combat Climate Change with Lucy HargreavesSend us a textFebruary 7, 202371. She's Working Hard to Combat Climate Change with Lucy HargreavesShe’s spent more than two decades fighting for climate action and sustainability worldwide. Lucy Hargreaves latest endeavor is leading an effort to advise, inform and shape global policy on climate change as head of public affairs & policy at climate-tech startup Patch. Here are some important moments with Lucy from the podcast: At 9:17 Lucy talks about how society benefits from corporations using the Patch app. At 19...2023-02-0727 min
Homeowners Be AwareThe Rocky Road to Choosing a College with Beth ProbstSend us a textJanuary 31, 202370. The Rocky Road to Choosing a College with Beth ProbstDo you have a plan for how and where your kids are going to go to college? Beth Probst says college is way too expensive to just hope kids figure it out, so she helps them understand all their options, do self-assessment, and career exploration, and make sure that those that are headed to college are aiming in the right direction. Here are some important moments with Beth from the podcast: 2023-01-3129 min
Homeowners Be AwareDealing With Issues That Are Holding You BackSend us a textJanuary 24, 2023 69. Dealing With Issues That Are Holding You Back.Are there things holding you back from success or the relationship you’d like to have? So how do you know exactly what it is and what you can do to make it better? Riana Milne says there is a way to overcome this, create the life you desire, and have the love you deserve.Here are some important moments with Riana from the podcast: At 3:57 Riana explains the 10 tra...2023-01-2430 min
Homeowners Be AwareWhy Aren’t We Making Our Homes Safer with Henk Ovink?Send us a textJanuary 17, 2023 68. Why Aren’t We Making Our Homes Safer with Henk Ovink?After seeing how close Hurricane Ian came to hitting Tampa it seemed like a great time to reach out to Henk Ovink. Henk is a Dutch special envoy to the United Nations and a flood expert. In 2015, he was appointed as the first Water Ambassador of the Netherlands. He is responsible for advocating water awareness around the world. He was part of President Obama’s Task Force for rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy struck the northeast part of t...2023-01-1729 min
Homeowners Be AwareThe Real Cost of Wasting Food with Dianne McGrathSend us a textJanuary 10, 2023 67. The Real Cost of Wasting Food with Dianne McGrathThere’s a cost we all pay for wasting food but it’s a problem we can do something about. That’s what Dianne McGrath has been working on, and she says fixing this can improve outcomes for society, the environment, and the economy. Here are some important moments with Dianne from the podcast: At 5:10 Tell us about the one-year trip around the world you are going on?At 9:09...2023-01-1033 min
Homeowners Be AwareHow You Package is the Real Cost of ShippingSend us a textJanuary 3, 2023 66. How You Package is the Real Cost of ShippingThe cost of shipping keeps going up, but what about the price we all pay when the packaging ends up in a landfill? Saloni Doshi has a solution, her company EcoEnclose is creating products that not only help your merchandise arrive in one piece but are made with recycled materials.Here are some important moments Saloni from the podcast: At 2:31 What is the problem you have identified, and what are yo...2023-01-0322 min
Homeowners Be AwareHow to be Better at the Job of ParentingSend us a textDecember 27, 2022 65. How to be Better at the Job of ParentingIt’s a constant challenge to do a good job of parenting. Dr. Robert Saul is a pediatrician and medical geneticist who has developed the parental awareness threshold, a simple framework that guides parents and guardians to actively parent with self-awareness, empathy, and compassion, where children learn to build nurturing relationships as well as exhibit love and respect for others. Here are some important moments with Dr. Saul from the podcast: At 9:11 Do yo...2022-12-2734 min
Homeowners Be AwareBetter Communication Between Builders and Customers with Ron NussbaumSend us a textDecember 20, 2022 64. Better Communication Between Builders and Customers with Ron NussbaumOne of the reasons there are so many problems in the home building industry is poor communication. Ron Nussbaum has developed software to help make this problem better. Here are some important moments with Ron Nussbaum from the podcast: At 5:24 Tell us about the difference your software makes on a construction project? At 14:45 How does your software improve the relationship between builders and customers?...2022-12-2029 min
Homeowners Be AwareIs It Possible to Communicate with the Dead?Send us a textDecember 13, 2022 63. Is It Possible to Communicate with the Dead?Bob Ginsberg lost his daughter in 2002 and in his search for peace discovered that our consciousness survives our physical death, and he believes that people called Mediums can help us communicate with them.Here are some important moments with Bob Ginsberg from the podcast: At 7:16 What is the difference between a psychic and a medium?At 12:40 Tell us about the afterlife experience that happened with your daughter?2022-12-1332 min
Homeowners Be AwareDo You Know What’s Been Holding You Back?Send us a textDecember 6, 2022 62. Do You Know What’s Been Holding You Back?Anne Grady has overcome some tough challenges in her life. She has great advice that will motivate you to finally start to tackle those issues in your life that have been holding you back.Here are some important moments with Anne Grady from the podcast: At 6:52 How have you been able to overcome all the things that have happened in your life?At 9:42 When you speak to a group are you...2022-12-0636 min